McConnell warns of 'scorched earth' over filibuster

MCCONNELL: "Nobody serving in this chamber can even begin ... to imagine what a completely scorched-earth Senate would look like..."

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell launched a preemptive strike against Democrats Tuesday, warning that doing away with the chamber's filibuster rule would lead to a "completely scorched earth" Senate, and that such a rule change would make it harder for Democratic President Joe Biden to enact his agenda, not easier.

"This chaos would not open up an express lane to liberal change. It would not open up an express lane for the Biden presidency to speed into the history books. The Senate would be more like a 100-car pileup. Nothing moving..."

With the bitterly-divided Senate split 50-50, some Democrats have been floating the idea of the killing the filibuster, a long-standing Senate procedure which essentially allows the minority to block legislation unless 60 senators support it.

A particular focus for Democrats right now: voting rights.

Stacey Abrams, an influential voting-rights advocate, said over the weekend that the filibuster should be suspended for upcoming voting rights legislation… noting that it already has been scaled back and does not apply to judicial or Cabinet appointments and some budgetary measures.

This urgency comes as Republicans introduce measures in state legislatures that would limit voting access following the record voter turnout in November's election. Democrats have accused Republicans at the state level of pursuing voter suppression laws for partisan advantage.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently said Democrats hoped to work with Republicans on new legislation including measures on renewing U.S. infrastructure.

But he warned his party was determined to overcome Republican opposition, saying all options were on the table.